Archive for category: Croatia

The Paklenica National Park is situated in the imposing Velebit massif, with its entrance in Starigrad Paklenica, off the Magistrala coastal road. It was opened in 1949 and covers an area of 36 sq km (14 sq miles) and is formed by two main gorges: Mala Paklenica and Velika...

Compared with the Plitvice Lakes and the Kornati Islands, Risnjak National Park, 18km (11 miles) north of Rijeka, is far less visited. It became a national park in 1953 and commercial development has been strictly limited. It was extended in 1997 to encompass the Kupa area, bringing the total...

The wonderful town of Pula lies near the tip of the Istria peninsula in Croatia and today is Istria’s largest port. Importantly, Pula’s Roman legacy can be seen throughout the town, with the most impressive and most obvious example being the 1st-century amphitheatre which is located just back from...

When you travel to Croatia, make certain that you seek out traditional food, as it is certain to delight your tastebuds. Sailing around Croatia, I was very lucky to have been invited to many a home, where I truly began to understand the uniqueness and flavour of the...

As someone who has sailed extensively in Croatia, the islands of the so-called Zadar archipelago are really close to sailing heaven. The archipelago consists of some 300 islands, and it is charaterised by the same haunting beauty that pervades the Kornatis. Dugi Otok (Long Island), north of the...

By way of an introduction into some more history pieces I am going to write, I thought I would give you just a little history on the Croatian language…… there will be some more on this in a coming post!! The Croats speak and write Croatian, which...

George Bernard Shaw summed up the ethereal charm of the Kornati Islands best when he first sighted them: “On the last day of the Creation God desired to crown his work, and thus created the Kornati Islands, out of tears, stars and breath.” This lofty praise is well deserved...

The harsh karst land that ripples across Central Croatia generally supports only sparse vegetation and forms a formidable natural barrier that cuts off the Northern Dalmatian coast. But in the heart of this rugged terrain, in the midst of the mountains of Mala Kapela and Plješivica, is the lush...

The island of Korčula is one of the largest in the Adriatic, some 47km (29m) long and mountains run the length of the island, reaching 560m (1,837 ft) at their peak. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The Greeks named it Korkyra Melaina (Black Corfu) and it has been...

Croatian wines are simply delightful and their variety and deep flavour have been impressing visitors to Croatia since the times of the ancient Greeks. The ideal conditions for viniculture in this region were recognized by the Greeks and Romans, who produced wine often in the same places, and with...

Welcome to my love affair with the food, wine, history and culture of the Mediterranean, past and present. Here you will find not only recipes, drinks and fabulous products, but the history of the food and culture of the Mediterranean.

My purpose is to get you to explore and experience new tastes and along the way to immerse yourself in the wonderful history of this diverse and wonderful region – from Venice to Istanbul, Rome to Dubrovnik, Athens to Crete and all places in between and in the surrounds. Be prepared to be surprised, delighted and enthralled as you take this trip with me.

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Jen Smith – Med Meanderings

This blog is dedicated to the region of the Mediterranean - its history, art, music,culture, food, and wine. Here you will find historical comment, famous and not so famous works of art, places to visit, food and wine to try (including recipes), as well as book reviews, music to listen to, as well as numerous pieces on Mediterranean life as I see them. There will also be some academic scholarship. I do hope that you will enjoy my blog.